Saudi Arabian giga project Qiddiya has awarded a US$750 million construction contract for what will be the largest waterpark in the Middle East featuring 22 rides and attractions across a 25.2 hectare site.
The multibillion-dollar entertainment and lifestyle destination on the outskirts of the Kingdom’s capital in Riyadh, is being developed as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify the income resources of the country.
With the Six Flags Qiddiya theme park set to open next year, the waterpark will be part of additional resorts, parks and attractions through the development.
To house nine themed zones - the entry gate, Camel Rock, Dub Grotto, Wave Wadi, the Den, Viper Canyon, Arabian Peak, the Herding Grounds and Surf Lagoon along with 17 F&B and retail outlets - the contract has been awarded to ALEC Saudi Arabia Engineering & Contracting and El Seif Engineering Contracting.
The agreement was signed yesterday at a groundbreaking ceremony attended by Qiddiya’s Managing Director Abdullah Aldawood, ALEC’s Chief Executive Kez Taylor and El Seif’s Chief Executive Ahmed Al-Bassam.
Aldawood described the new attraction as “a year-round immersive family entertainment destination, the first of its kind and offering experiences that have never before been offered in Saudi”, adding “we are pleased to be working with industry leaders like ALEC and El Seif, who will be using the latest in guest experience technologies to create what is certain to be one of the world’s greatest water theme parks.
“The park will offer our guests a chance to experience that in a welcoming and fun environment for everyone.”
The new water park has been designed to minimise its use of water through recycling and smart usage with rides set to use 75% less water than at comparable water parks.
Additionally, rainwater will be captured, treated and reused at the attraction with technologies to reduce water pressure in some rides will reduce water evaporation by half.
Taylor added “ALEC’s established expertise in large-scale theme park projects, honed through the successful delivery of other iconic water parks in the GCC, combined with the local expertise of El Seif will ensure the rides and infrastructure at Qiddiya set new standards for the region, offering adventure seekers of all ages truly one-of-a-kind experiences.”
In December, Qiddiya awarded a contract worth US$1 billionn to Bouygues Bâtiment International (BBI) and Saudi Almabani General Contractors for the construction of Six Flags Qiddiya.
Images: Concepts for the Qiddiya waterpark. Credit: Qiddiya Investment Company.
About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well as caring for Stella the pug.
Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.
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